Cryptocoryne keei

Cryptocoryne keei is endemic to Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, where it grows in clear, shaded streams with soft, slightly acidic water. In the aquarium it produces oval to elliptical leaves with a beautifully hammered, dark-green upper surface and rich reddish-brown undersides, creating exceptional depth and colour contrast. It is considered a challenging but extremely rewarding species, growing slowly and demanding stable soft-acidic water conditions. It is rarely available in the hobby, making it a prized specimen among serious Cryptocoryne collectors.

Light: Low (10–30 PAR); shaded conditions mimic its natural riverine habitat. CO2: Not required; avoid sudden environmental changes that may trigger melt. Fertiliser: Root tabs every 4–6 months; very light liquid fertilisation; soft, low-mineral water preferred. Planting: Midground; plant singly or in pairs; soft, fine substrate; stable soft-acid water essential. Growth: Very slow; reaches 10–20 cm; produces few runners; avoid disturbing once established.